Forget RIBBONS...wear PAPER CLIPS!

[Atman]

What a great idea! I am watching a story on CNN wherein a high school gathered six million paper clips to illustrate just how many six million is. Six million as in six million Jews murdered by Hitler. But that is not the story...the story is why PAPER CLIPS.

Apparently, the Norwegians wore paper clips on their lapels during the war as a show of solidarity and a silent protest against the fascists/nazis. What a perfect symbol for us, too, since ribbons have been co-opted by the righties to the point of meaningless cliches.

I'm am sorry for not having all the details on this CNN report...it only caught my eye after it was half over. Maybe another DUer could expand upon it, but I think the paper clip campaign could be a stirring way to protest the rise of fascism in the United States.

Thoughts?

[Tace]

1. I Think This Is A Wonderful Idea -- I'm Gunna Start Today...

and tell others about it. Let's go!

Edit: Just put one on the neck of my shirt.

[goclark]

22. Awesome clip link!

Clips were mentioned on this website!
I did a search for Nazi clips and this is what I found!
See if it sounds familiar to our situation.

You must read the entire article and you will understand how and why clips should be our symbol.

Snip From the Learn Peace website....

Unwelcome change

On April 10, the day after the German invasion, the leader of Norway's Nazi party, Vidkun Quisling, declared himself to be prime minister. The announcement was received with such scorn and ridicule that within a few days Adolf Hitler sacked him, and introduced a German Nazi, Josef Terboven, as 'Reichskommissar'. The new commander immediately stripped the press of its freedom and banned listening to foreign broadcasts (particularly the BBC's).

At first the Norwegian army, with some British and French military backing, had given armed resistance to the invaders, but without result, and they surrendered on June 9. The King and government had escaped to Britain. It was time for other kinds of resistance.

Despite the risk of punishment, some people secretly listened to the foreign news and passed it on by word of mouth and in chain letters of encouragement. When all radios were confiscated (from September 1941), over 300 'underground' newspapers sprang up, carrying news obtained from concealed radios and urging no-co-operation with the Nazi authority. One person would type out several copies (say 20) of each edition, and pass them on for the next 20 readers to type more copies, and so on until there were enough to go round.

People thought up inventive ways to show their solidarity - for a time they wore paper-clips in their lapels or linked as bracelets; small coins, with the King's head brightly polished, were stuck on pins and also worn. To acknowledge the exiled King's birthday - and as far as the German authorities were concerned Norway no longer had a king - people wore 'flowers of loyalty' or the symbol 'H7' (for King Haakon VII). Several hundreds were arrested for this inoffensive act.



http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/nvww2/ww2_nonviolence_norway1.html

[fudge stripe cookays]

146. In one of my Time Life wartime books...

there was a photo of two girls sunbathing with 7's painted on their backs.

I think the paper clip idea is a great one! Putting on one right now!

FSC

[LiberalEsto]

2. I like it but it's a bit subtle

for all those red-state morons.

Maybe buttons that say "F*ck the Republican Nazi Pigs!"



Edit: but I'm putting a paper clip on right away!

[Atman]

6. Subtlety is good...it will make people ask WHY?

No one needs to ask why your "I support our troops" ribbon means. And likely, seeing one person wearing a paper clip will not likely raise anyone's eyebrows. BUT...when people start seeing people all over town, all over the mall, at dinner, people of all walks wearing a simple PAPER CLIP on their lapel, they'll start asking "why?" That's when you tell 'em. I think subtle in good in this case. It will allow more people to get on board without wearing an in-your-face button or ribbon.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

33. Actually I don't care if the bushbots get it or not

I think it's a great way of finding each OTHER, especially here in red states.

If this caught on and I saw someone with a paperclip attached to their shirt, I'd know I was in the company of a friend.

[Cha]

159. I like yours...but where I work..

subtley is best.

In fact, most places of work would have to be subtle except if you were in a rock 'n roll band, eminem, or had enough "fuck you" money!

I think I'll wear a green paper clip:D

[Sugarbleus]

229. LOL.....n/t

[goclark]

3. I'm all for it!

We must get our message out!

What color clips should we wear and what should we say if someone asks about it?

We need a standard one liner.
Any ideas?

[Dhalgren]

5. How about:

"The paper clip was the sign of anti-Nazi resistance in WWII. It is still the sign of anti-Nazi resistance, today." I am wearing mine, now.

[goclark]

12. Good one!

[JohnOneillsMemory]

72. Operation Paperclip was the US taking in the Nazi brains into the US gov't

after WWII. So the Nazi intelligence officers were brought into the OSS and helped form the CIA. Nazi scientists were 'Paperclipped' into forming NASA.

Using paperclips to protest the current crop of fascists is perfect.

http://www.infoage.org/paperclip.html

http://www.spiritone.com/~gdy52150/noon.html

http://www.rationalrevolution.net/articles/rise_of_american_fascism.htm

http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20040513-052654-5254r

http://www.sfbg.com/reality/20.html

http://homepage.mac.com/benburch/WRIndex1.html

[CAcyclist]

212. I like the paperclip bracelet - just made one n/t

[MADem]

26. BLUE, of course

Blue state blue.

In another thread, I suggested the idea of blue triangles sewn to our winter coats....now THERE's a less than subtle statement, and it's got fashion potential as well...!

[MsTryska]

150. I like the blue Triangle idea -

could you point me to a link?

or explain why the triangle?

the only thing i can think of is delta = change

[CAcyclist]

213. Homosexuals had to wear pink triangles in Hitler's Germany

[hyphenate]

113. Blue!

We might want to just say something like "it represents Democracy in America." That way the key word is Democracy. WDYT?

[grilled onions]

4. great fashion statement

I think blue would be symbolic.

[Atman]

8. Blue paper clips would be great!

Can you find them? I suppose you could buy a box of assorted colors and pick 'em out. I think you'd still wind up with dozens of them for a lot less than the cost of just one of those ribbons.

[morningglory]

17. Wope! Just changed my metallic pc to a blue one. Good idee!

[bush_is_wacko]

45. I only have 4 paper clips and one's RED!

I'm out to buy more tomorrow! Great idea! I'll tell as many as I can.

I THREW THE RED ONE IN THE TRASH!

[hinachan]

214. Make your own blue paperclip

Using a blue permanent marker like a Sharpie, color just the parts of the silver (or the colored rubberized coating) that are visible from the front. In other words, don't color the whole thing, because if you color the parts that come in contact with your clothes, it might eventually come off and stain. After you've colored the clip, give it sufficient drying time.

IMHO, though, the silver ones have more shine, and are more apt to catch the eye. ;)

FWIW, I wore my homemade black ribbon today, with my Dubya "Dude, Where's My Weapons?" T-shirt! :D

[xultar]

7. I wish there was a magnetic or cling number set I could put on my car for

Iraq troop deaths.

[jayctravis]

62. use a small chalkboard or whiteboard

propped in your back window.

hopefully off to the side as not to obstruct your view.

[Dhalgren]

9. I like it!

And Norway is a good example in many respects...

[hinachan]

215. I've studied Norwegian language for years

I've also studied Swedish and Danish. Will this make me a more likely target, as the Bush-tapo gains power? Or will my half-assed knowledge of German be enough to get me pardoned? :scared:

[Rambis]

10. I am in

The big size or the small ones? I went small blue-

[goclark]

14. I'm looking at the assorted box and see lots of blues!

I'll put one own and wear it today.

Let's see how many people mention it to me!

[kentuck]

11. I think yellow ribbons on car antennaes would be more symbolic...

Everybody has a certain image of "yellow ribbon" that evokes a positive mission.

[Atman]

13. The yellow ribbon is meaningless now

Since Tony Orlando days...the yellow ribbon already means something. We are not talking about that message. The paper clip symbolizes resistance. The yellow ribbon symbolizes "support" and "remember," two things that have nothing to do with getting rid of Bush and the fascists.

[MADem]

28. I might be the only one who feels this way

...but I have always, ALWAYS, been out of step with that yellow ribbon crap. First of all, the story is about a CRIMINAL who has "done his time" and sends a letter home saying he will "soon be free"...I suppose you could stretch that like a rubber band and say that is military service, but I just don't read it that way. Ole Tony warbles "I'm really still in prison, and my love she holds the key, a simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free" or words to that effect. I read it like a bum who screwed up, went to jail, and if his best gal does not want him, he will "put the blame on me." While staying on the bus and forgetting about us, of course.

I know the whole idea came after the Iran hostage business, but it just never seemed RIGHT to me. The Tony Orlando song talks about a guy who SCREWED up, while the hostages were VICTIMS, captives, not criminals.

Also, yellow is the symbol of COWARDICE, as in "yellow streak a mile wide down his back."

I like blue triangles. It's an unambiguous statement, symbolizes oppression, and is rather "in yer face." It's like wearing a bumper sticker! I'd love it if some fashionista ran with it...they'd probably sell out.

[scarlett1]

80. My Mom HATED that Yellow ribbon song

She thought it was a stupid song.

[politicat]

86. For military families, we use the Service stars.

google service stars for the information.

Pcat

[grilled onions]

15. there are coated clips but...

there is always spray paint. Line up rows of clips and spray away(perhaps a nice metallic blue). Lots of mileage for one can.

[goclark]

16. They could be passed out at rallies!

RESIST!

I'm ready to go into business with someone.

Post message me.

[seafey]

46. There's also the Not Me Campaign- black bracelets

www.notmecampaign.com

Black bracelets (kinda like the yellow one Kerry always wears.) that say "Not Me" on them. $5.

[Atman]

18. Imagine a protest rally where we all link our paper clips together

in a giant chain.

This has great symbolic potential.

[goclark]

20. They come in big sizes too!

Links like a chain!

I can see it all now, there are so many possibilities.

[akwapez]

19. Mine's on n/t

[MadcityRock]

21. My blue one looks good on me!

[Mike L]

23. Didn't the Republicans ever ask why the Norwegians

were wearing paperclips during the occupation?

[eleny]

24. Here's a digital bue paper clip

[eleny]

27. Or a royal blue one instead

[freesqueeze]

77. Is Green Out Of The Question?

Or is that prone to suffering from attacks from Rove of being "too close to yellow."

I will wear one just for the halibut.

[Cha]

160. I just put a green paper clip on

my gold chain that holds my big brass peace symbol.

I was already thinking that my peace symbol is a "big fuck you" to george whacked bush.

Now when I look down I can remember the anti-fascist movement in America.

[elehhhhna]

25. May I point out that we got clipped in 2000 & 2004?

[Atman]

29. New Paper Clip avatar

<--- Check it out! Thanks for the artwork, eleny!

[goclark]

30. Txs I hope I can figure out how to make it by avatar

I sent a copy of it to my email, now what do I do?

Also, everyone see my link at the top of the thread.
It explains how importnt the Clip should be to us, IMO.

[Atman]

31. Go to your "Profile" page

There is a section to change your avatar. Just click the UPLOAD button, select the source image from your computer (you should extract the avatar image from your email first), and click. Then, in the text field, there are instructions...you enter "personal/XXXXXX", whatever the number is DU says to use...be sure it has the file type extension (.gif or .jpg).

[goclark]

41. Txs, I did it!

Now I wish I could have a little tag dangling from the clip that says, RESIST!

[BrklynLiberal]

63. Thks...I tried too n/t

but it did not work....... :(

[eleny]

44. You're welcome!

Great avatar!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

32. There were also some

resisters during the Holocaust (I want to say in Holland?) who wore some kind of white flower....what was it? I'll have to look it up.

They were eventually killed.

The White Something Society. Anyone know? Do I have the name of the flower right?

The paper clip idea is a good one.

I'll spread the word.

[Atman]

34. Read post #22 (third on the list)

Therein lies your answer, I think.

[LiberalEsto]

43. The White Rose

That was the name of the resistance organized by German university students and faculty. Sadly, many of them got executed.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

83. Yes, thank you!

That is what I was thinking of!

[ClassWarrior]

152. Ben Burch's site where he archives Progressive radio shows is...

...whiterosesociety.org.

NGU.

[hyphenate]

115. The White Rose Society

Absolutely tragic story. Just Google "White Rose Society" and Nazi Germany and their site should pop up. Read about them a couple of years ago. Great, great courage they had.

[sundancekid]

35. a little more helpful background on the paper clip - invented in Norway

http://www.biggeworld.com/archive/npbizpaper.html

[goclark]

38. We Must CLIP and RESIST!

The PROTEST and RESIST! Clip idea was used in NORWAY....

Snip from Previous Post:

People thought up inventive ways to show their solidarity - for a time they wore paper-clips in their lapels or linked as bracelets; small coins, with the King's head brightly polished, were stuck on pins and also worn. To acknowledge the exiled King's birthday - and as far as the German authorities were concerned Norway no longer had a king - people wore 'flowers of loyalty' or the symbol 'H7' (for King Haakon VII). Several hundreds were arrested for this inoffensive act.

http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/nvww2/ww2_nonviole...

[CitySky]

36. I like it.

Nominated for homepage.

Don't have any blue clips lying around, so the metallic one at my neckline will have to do for today. When I get some blue ones, I will share them with our fellow resisters.

[kayell]

37. I like it

[dawn_fayhe]

39. Interesting

I heard about this. It is a great idea, but will probably be criticized by people like Ann Coulter if it spreads.

[Atman]

40. GOOD!

If Ann hates it, you know it is a good idea.

[goclark]

42. Maybe we can have little tags

that can clip on to the clip.
The tags can be hooked on and say how you feel on that day.


My first choice would be a tiny tag that says RESIST!

Next one that says ..Ann Is A Man! LOL

Can we think of other Clip Tags?

[hyphenate]

116. So? Why would we care

what the vicious psychobitch thinks of them?

[aquart]

172. So? She can wear a staple.

Staples make holes in documents. Like the constitution, Bill of Rights, environmental legislation......

[yorkiemommie1]

174. or staple her lips shut n/t

[Spiffarino]

191. Probably?

That pig doesn't do anything but trash people who aren't in lock-step with Bush.

[seafey]

47. There's also the Not Me Campaign- black bracelets

www.notmecampaign.com

Black bracelets (kinda like the yellow one Kerry always wears.) that say "Not Me" on them. $5.


Sorry I meant my first post on this to be in response to the original post...

[Synnical]

111. And the Never Surrender Campaign by Working Assets

I pledge to Never Surrender in the fight to build a better democracy that can provide life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.


Purple bracelets

http://www.neversurrender.org/neversurrender/index.cfm

[DURHAM D]

48. Don't buy paper clips - go to your bank and ask for a bunch.

Banks are the world's depository for used paper clips. Some banks throw them all away, others recycle the regular but not the colored or plastic clips.

Kind of funny to start a movement with the help of the repug banks.

[scarlett1]

82. I'll go ask my friendly DEMOCRATIC Banker

tomorrow

[PassingFair]

138. Just steal them from work!

I'm wearing "the clip". People keep telling me I've got a paper clip on my lapel. If I don't know them I say "Oh wow, thanks, almost forgot about that and put it in my pocket". I think it will lose its special meaning if it is widely seen to be a protest.

[goclark]

179. Meaning of the clip, LINK

Great link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paperclip

[s-cubed]

192. But isn't that the whole point/?

I like the idea of answering that it symbolizes Democracy: people can't very well argue that. If they ask more, you can always talk about the erosion of our liberties under * and rummy, and maybe even the fraudulent election.

[BrightKnight]

208. Cary a few extra for people that ask

There should be a web page. This might be a general grassroots activist page. With links to progressive media, voting rights pages, blogs, political organizations etc...


The domain names bluepaperclip.com and bluepaperclip.org have not been registered.

[BrightKnight]

209. deleted double post

[Paradise]

49. kick! n/t

[goclark]

50. Kick again,this should be on the first page

[Paradise]

52. You're right! Let's nominate for first page.

Everyone seems to be in agreement.

[goclark]

56. Just made the coolest CLIP Bracelet!

In less than a minute and 7 Blue Clips, I have my bracelet!

The idea for the clip items just knocks me out.

The cost is next to nothing and it is so meaningful.

The clip bracelet is bound to attract attention and it's perfect for passing out a clip to those that express an interest in having one.

A CLIP bracelet will work beautifully along with a NOT ME bracelet too!

[Paradise]

57. Gotta get me some blue clips. n/t

[MuseRider]

51. Going to rehearsal with a big blue clip

on my red sweater. It is sure to cause comments, passing the word on should be easy tonight.

[goclark]

53. Put lots of blue clips in your pocket

When someone asks about the clip tell them in a way that will win their heart.

If they want one say, " Here. take mine, I have another one."

That way we can get the word out faster.

[MuseRider]

54. Will do. n/t

[Paradise]

55. kick! n/t

[Paradise]

58. Gotta eat somethin'. Can someone else kick for a while? Thanks. n/t

[goclark]

59. If you want to make CLIP your avatar, it's easy !

I just right clicked on one of the Blue clips in this thread and followed the instructions given by the poster above.

[BrklynLiberal]

67. Trying again...

DUH! fahgeddaboudit! I am a dummy!

[Lizzie Borden]

60. Sure!

:kick:

[Paradise]

73. Thanks. Kick! n/t

[aquart]

173. Again. It's still better if they are ordinary paper clips.

The symbol is the clip, not the color.

[RC]

189. The color must be symbolic also,

I thinks Blue would work best.

Otherwise you look like a dork with a common silver paper-clip on your lapel or where ever.

[Blue Gardener]

61. Fantastic Idea!

I'm in!

[Atman]

64. Kick...hey, I'm honored!

It's kind cool to have one of your ideas catch on!

[Paradise]

76. Great idea! Thanks.

Gotta keep it alive until it takes on a life of its own.

[cynthia]

65. kick

:kick:

I'm wearing a blue one.

[cynthia]

66. kick

:kick:

I'm wearing a blue one.

[Pikku]

68. Wearing my bracelet now

I mixed a few green and purple clips in with the blue ones; i hope y'all don't mind TOO much... :7

[Timbuk3]

69. A kick, and another idea

I am now wearing a silver paper clip on my lapel. (I hope you're all willing to make us lowly silver clip wearing poor folks feel welcome, too, until we can lay hands on a blue one.)

I liked the idea of carrying a few spares around when someone says "I want one, too."

But, even though lapel clips and bracelets are great ideas, wouldn't they work as earrings, too? Attachments on all kinds of things, like key rings, bracelets, you might even be able to make a pretty attractive necklace pendant out of one.

[goclark]

70. Right , the creativity is endless and really cheap!

I am sitting here wearing two lovely blue clip bracelets!

[ldf]

71. what if the red state people wore red ones,

it is still a clip, and red will also show their resistance to the idiocy in their own state.

we could also still recognize each other and immediately understand what situation the other is coming from...

thoughts?

[latteromden]

74. Wonderful idea!! WWII Norwegians would be proud

*laughs* Wow... I can't believe you brought this up! I started wearing paperclips when I first found one laying on the floor of the Kerry campaign office here - mainly as a symbol of protest, in the style of the Norwegians, always innovative and brilliant; oh, whoops, Norwegian pride showing through, there. ;)

This is a great idea. It could be a very powerful thing if we spread it around enough.

[Merlin]

75. Let's not require Blue. Just any old paper clip will do. GREAT IDEA!

Atman, you may have started something

BIG !

[goclark]

79. I'm for just blue because it stands out so much better

In Norway,they were trying to keep it a secret.

Here, until our Regime writes a new law, we can make a CLIP statement in color,we should take this privilege while we still have it. >sarcasm

Seriously, if we start wearing any color clip then people will think we are making statements about a hog pog of ideas.

To me we are saying that we must RESIST a repressive government.

[Merlin]

90. Here's why it must not be just blue.

Blue can be preferable.

But the symbol must be just the paper clip. Period.

Otherwise the right will counter by adopting either a red clip or a plain clip.

[in_cog_ni_to]

117. Good point, Merlin.

I think you're right. By next week the repukes will have a red clip/plain movement going. Guaranteed.

[RC]

190. Let them

Your argument about the Right is an argument for us using Blue & only Blue paper clips.

[tilsammans]

78. Kickin' it for clips!

:kick:

[Atman]

81. Don't forget your car...

Paper clips are hard to see from across three lanes of traffic...so I threw together a quick sticker...




Solidarity Link and other stickers

[goclark]

84. Perfect,, will order mine tomorrow!

Now this is a conversation piece!

Let's keep um guessing.

[in_cog_ni_to]

118. EXCELLENT! Perfect answer to the damn ribbons. Love the sticker!

Thanks. :hi:

[Fawn]

225. Very cool

What are the dimensions of this sticker?

[Atman]

226. 3" x 5"

The oval paper clip stickers are 3" x 5". The bumper stickers are 3" x 10"

It's hard to follow now that there are so many responses, but to Lincoln McGrath (same last name, dude!) yes, that's my Cafe Press store.



More New Stickers Just Added

$10 OFF $50 or more!

[Sugarbleus]

230. Fantastic!! I'll check with you later on this sticker..woohoo!

Someone in DU was making magnetic "stickers". If we could but the two of ya together....?:toast:

[tedzbear]

85. But where do we attach it?

So people know where to look?

[Kindigger]

88. How about an EBay auction?

Offer clips or just instructions, with the story of the paperclip in the description?

I need some keywords for the title that will bring the listing up in "search" alot. Any ideas?

:think:

[NoSheep]

109. Keywords.

Prop Art - Conceptual Art - Silver Jewelry - Gift
I'll keep thinking!:D

[ClassWarrior]

153. Heck, auction off 100, one at a time, and donate the proceeds to DU.

NGU.

[Dem2theMax]

87. Love this idea. Will be getting blue clips tomorrow.

And pass this idea around to every email buddy you have and every blog you visit.


:kick:

[Blue Gardener]

89. Kick

Want to make sure everyone sees this!
So how are we going to get the word out?
Can we make cards to carry, so we can hand them out to people who want to know what the paper clip is about?

[goclark]

96. Like a "short history"

tiny card, say a business size or The size of a stink on label for a return address?

[DemBones DemBones]

157. What? The size of a

"stink on label"???

Perhaps one of those perfumed inserts from a magazine could be a "stink on label"?!

[Merlin]

91. Ny paper clip will do. Blue is preferable, but not mandatory.

Any paper clip you find in your desk drawer will do the job.

[Atman]

92. Morning Kick

Morning!

[mogster]

93. Yes, the paper clip story about the Norwegians is true

> Apparently, the Norwegians wore paper clips on their lapels during the war as a show of solidarity and a silent protest against the fascists/nazis.

After being denied carrying the Norw. flag on our lapels during the nazi occupation, some ingenious brain got the idéa to use paper clips instead.
Subsequently, paper clip-wear were banned, and we resorted to pin needles.

Anything might do, as long as everyone agrees to using it! :-)

[VLC98]

94. Great idea! n/t

[nickinSTL]

95. Great idea

I'll be using a metal clip until I find a blue one.

As a Norwegian-American, I love this idea. I hadn't known about the paperclip resistance, and it's great.

[goclark]

98. Have we decided what it will stand for?

IMO it should be a few words.
That's why "Support Our Troops" works.

I wore mine yesterday and received inquiring comments.

I found that I had to tailor my comments to the person.

The nice little girl at the vet asked. I didn't know how to tell her that it was to RESIST the Nazi Regime of GWB! :) I told her that there was wide spread voter fraud and I was protesting that, I felt that every vote should be counted.

She said she didn't know that her vote wasn't counted, so at least I educated her on that part.

When I gave my cousin his I said, "This is to RESIST Bush!!" Since he is as strong in that belief as I am, he asked for twenty clips! :)

I'm wondering because we really want it to be something that everyone will feel proud to wear.

Any thoughts

[Atman]

99. Solidarity in resistance to the fraudulently installed Bush

Simple. Short.

If they want background, it is also easy to offer a very brief synopsis of the Norwegian origins. You're right...it must be succinct and easy to explain or it won't catch on.



Solidarity Link Stickers

[LincolnMcGrath]

219. Is that your cafepress Store?

Thanks for the link!

[Timbuk3]

133. My reply

A co-worker asked my why I had a P-C on my collar today. I just told her the story.

"During WW II the Norwegians wore a paper clip on their lapel to protest the Nazi occupation of their country."

She just smiled and went and got herself a paper clip...

[justinsb]

97. How about Pretzels?

Make little pretzel buttons to cheer on the pretzel insurgency against Bush :)

[CrownPrinceBandar]

100. Should we wear the BLUE clips on our BLACK hoodies.............

festooned with ORANGE Ukrainian-solidarity ribbons?

Not trying to be snarky, but we need unity of message. While I believe visible signs of opposition are important, they are NOT enough. Too many slogans and tokens will just dilute our message. What we really need is strong, charismatic leadership of our dissent, not just something else to buy.

On edit: I like the paper-clip idea. There is historic precident for the use of the paper-clip as a statement of protest.

[goclark]

101. You don't have to buy a paper clip

And if you do it will cost a few pennies.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

102. That wasn't my point........................

I realize that you can get a p-c anywhere for free, my point is that we are getting too bogged down in the symbolism of our disgust. Ever since the election, there has been a truckload of "things you should wear to show you oppose Bush." All I am saying is that we need a singular symbol, like the paperclip, to keep the issue in the face of the population. Not to mention a singular symbol that we in the opposition could rally behind (i.e.: the peace symbol during Vietnam).

Anyway, the p-c idea is a really good one. I wish I could wear something that would kick the DNC in the pants and give us the leadership we deserve.

:hi:

[goclark]

125. I have not seen any symbolism on anyone

Help me if I am wrong but one thing that makes me sad is that people are just rolling over and planning for '06.

Where are the pins/t -shirts anything to show how upset we are, I have not seen anything on anybody.

Glad you like the p -c idea too!

[hinachan]

216. Dem businesses should use this symbol

In Yellow Pages ads and the like, where the Xians will often use the Jesus-freak fish. This would be a great way to express solidarity without being in-your-face about it. :D

[sunnystarr]

103. Purchased my sticker, added my clip to DU and

made a pc bracelet. I'm set to go :)

[NoSheep]

108. What Sticker?

[in_cog_ni_to]

119. see post #99.

:hi:

[NoSheep]

144. Thanks!

[xerox]

104. I can't

I use them to clean out my ears.

[Atman]

105. Never stick anything in your ears...

...but your elbows.

At least, that's what Mom always told me.

[xerox]

107. LOL

[TheCentepedeShoes]

106. Gonna go see what

the office supply store has. May put in on a chain.

[goddess40]

110. PERFECT!!!!

it's turtleneck weather for the next for 4-5 months a perfect place to put a paperclip.

[southpaw]

112. Got me a blue paper clip on my shirt pocket!

I really hope this catches on internationally. Wouldn't it be cool to see people in European news footage with a blue paper clip on their collar?

This could become the "Jesus Fish" of the resistance!!!

[NoSheep]

114. I caught a jesus fish once!

[southpaw]

121. Excellent

I bet it tasted heavenly when beer-battered and deep fried! :9

[PassingFair]

139. No, in fact, it...

...smelt.

[NoSheep]

143. LOL!

[hyphenate]

120. FYI

I was rechecking for my link on the White Rose Society, and found this site, which is amazing, since it's applying the wisdom of the WRS to our own time, as a lesson learned. I told the website owner about this thread--perhaps he will join in as well.

http://www.whiterosesociety.org

[latteromden]

122. I would suggest putting them on your collar or shirt pocket (n/t)

[huskerlaw]

123. I just made a plain pc bracelet

cuz all I've got are a few RED ones. I'll buy some blue tonight. Good idea, thanks!

[graywarrior]

124. I got a paperclip the size of a beagle.

I'm gonna make a necklace out of it.

[Dukkha]

126. How VERY Appropriate due to "Operation Paperclip"

Operation Paper clip:

After World War II the U.S. Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency (JIOA) carried out Operation Paper Clip to "recruit" German scientists for post-war military research. Wernher von Braun and his fellow rocket designers were relocated to the U. S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency in Huntsville, Alabama. Here they taught a team of U.S. Army personnel and General Electric engineers how to test, assemble, and launch V-2 ballistic missiles. This group developed the Redstone rocket. The U.S. Army provided Redstone missiles for the launching of the first U.S. satellite, the Explorer, and several of the first manned missions.

Wearing a paper clip would symbolize protest against US policies and businesses, particularly the Bush family, collaborating with the Nazis, Bin ladens, Iraq, Iran, Lybia, Panama, Contras etc...

[earthside]

127. It's Spreading ...

I just uploaded the 'blue paper clip' message to Earthside.com

[goclark]

131. Well done at earthside.com

Keep it moving!

Every time one of us sees someone wearing a clip let's do a post here that says - RESIST!

[silverweb]

196. Very nice site!

I've bookmarked it.

:hi:

[mslux]

128. The Betsy Ross Flag

I nominate the 13 stars and stripes flag as the symbol of resistance. We used it to fight George once before. This flag would allow us to show patriatism, or better still, support of the Constitution without being confused with the war mongers.

[CitySky]

129. I wore one last night

to one (misguided Republican) person I said who asked, I said, calmly, "it's a symbol of resistance."

To my (Democratic) roommate who noticed it when I got home, I tried to explain a little more fully: "The paper clip was a symbol of resistance to the Nazis during World War II..." but before I got to the second sentence was already receiving my high-five.

I will give out blue ones when I have time to buy some. Just silver-colored for now. :) Also I'm going to bookmark this thread so that when I'm feeling I can try changing my avatar...

[Scrooge]

130. GREAT IDEA!!

You can count me in! I hope I see other people with clips on. I think I would hug them on sight!

[Atman]

132. Kick

This is catching on. I just heard from another site that's going to post it.

[goclark]

134. Can someone do a cool email attachment that

we can send to all our friends?

I want it to be educational and really motivate others to JOIN CLIPS with those of us that RESIST the Bush Regime.

OR

CLIP it ON!
With a picture of a shirt/blouse to show how easy it can be to get involved.

or

? ? ? ? ?

[goclark]

136. Is DU going to post it?

[uppityperson]

135. make it anti-fascism, not anti-nazi to get them thinking

anti-nazi ends up sounding too cliche-y but good idea, next to my upside down usa flag pin that has gotten lots of looks too.

[Timbuk3]

137. And, they make GREAT Christmas gifts!

Check this out: http://home.att.net/~mcdermand/angel_paperclip.htm

(LOL I stole the "christmas gifts line from Atman in IM.)

Oh, and one more. I post on Yahoo! more than I post here.

Check out my Yahoo Profile: http://profiles.yahoo.com/Timbuk3_98/

[goclark]

140. Lovely Clip Angels

[Mutley]

166. me too!

and thanks for the idea of changing my yahoo profile pic to the paper clip!

http://profiles.yahoo.com/mutleyrus/

[Atman]

141. Kick before bed

G'night!

[southpaw]

142. A morning Kick!!!

:dem:

[Atman]

145. Another Site...

TIMBUK3.com is picking this up, too. Spoke with him last night, and he's putting the image, and Norway background stuff on his site as well!

[Atman]

147. So, does everyone have their paper clips?

Good! Now for more action. We need to drop a line to our favorite blogs and progressive sites and fill them in on this campaign. Daily Kos, BartCop, etc. We got two web sites to pick it up yesterday, with a long way to go obviously. But this campaign can be very effective, primarily because of the curiousity factor. People in the mall, wherever, will want to know why you're wearing a paper, then you get to tell them -- a symbol of solidarity against the fascist takeover of our government. We need to make America accept the F word, because it is real and it is happening!



Paper Clip Stickers

[southpaw]

151. I e-mailed a coulpe of progressive sites...

Jesse Berney at Wage Slave Journal www.wageslave.org promptly replied that he "vehemently opposes" anything that compares the Bush administration to the Nazis. Apparently he feels this way even if the comparison is remote and indirect. He's out.

Also e-mailed Eric Blumrich at Bush Flash http://www.ericblumrich.com/
Haven't heard back from him yet...

But we do need to get the word out beyond DU.

[goddess40]

148. I'm putting a paper clip inside each of my x-mas cards this year

without a note.

[goclark]

149. What a brilliant idea!

The holiday season is a perfect time to communicate and educate our friends.

What will you say when they ask you what the clip is for?

[goddess40]

184. good question

I was thinking I like the simple - wear it to show resistance to the bush regime but I don't think that makes sense unless I can link it to it's original use.
Now I think maybe I should clip it to a piece of paper with a short and simple explanation.
I'm open to suggestions.

[Atman]

185. I'll make a card

I was going to start a new thread for this, and I will once the card is complete. A business card size thing with a brief explanation, and a couple of URL's. It will be as non-confrontational as possible, I think. I'm open to suggestions, but I think for it to be effective, words like NAZI must be avoided. It will be a message of SOLIDARITY, as positive as possible.

I'll post it in a new thread, ready for y'all to C&P onto business-card blanks.

[goddess40]

186. PERFECT!!!!

Thanks, I'm looking forward to your card!

[SnoopDog]

154. That’s our American spirit at work, too!

Blue paper clip it is!

[southpaw]

155. Welcome to DU, Snoop!

And to the ever growing ranks of the Clip Clique

[SnoopDog]

156. Thanks for the welcome 'paw! n/t

[Timbuk3]

158. This might be the transcript

I'm doing a little research before this stuff goes on my web site. This might be the transcript of the show you saw:

KAGAN: Now, why "Paper Clips" of all the things to collect?

FAB: Well, when the students in Whitwell began to study the Holocaust, of course they learned very quickly that Hitler had murdered six million Jews. And like anybody, like me, for sure, and you probably, when they first heard that, they reacted to the number six million as an unfathomable figure. And they couldn't visualize what that meant. And they really wanted to appreciate the enormity of the crime.

So the students are very resourceful and they instantly thought, well, maybe we could collect 6 million of something, in one place, and then we would understand how big a horror this was. Paper clips came about, because they did some research on the Internet, and they found out that the paper clip was invented in Norway, and that during the war, many Norwegians wore paper clips on their lapels as a sort of silent protest to what Hitler and the Nazis were doing. So paper clips became the perfect symbol and the perfect way to be able to visualize what had happened.

http://cnnstudentnews.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0411/30/lt.01.html

BTW, the project has been discontinued.

This article and story are true. The effort was so successful, however, that at last count, they had nearly 28 million paper clips and have thanked everybody for participating, but are asking that there be no new efforts at collections.

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/s/studentmemorial.htm

[Timbuk3]

163. Web site is updated

Either click on the paper clip on the entry page (http://www.timbuk3.com/) or deep link it here: http://www.timbuk3.com/clip.htm

I'm open to constructive comments and criticism, editing, whatever.

Please note the embedded links. Some good stories there, too, especially THIS one: the fringe right wing that has hijacked the GOP

[Mutley]

161. kick

[shesemsmom]

162. Great idea

I'm also thinking I'll start a paper clip chain, one for each one dead in Iraq since the war started.I wonder how long it will take to fill this house

[Timbuk3]

164. Excellent idea!

Did you read the story about the kids in TN collecting 6 million paper clips, one for each Jew killed in the holocaust?

A chain of 1200 or so paper clips would be about 100 feet long. Quite a statement.

THIS is quite a statement too:

Seven Days of Hell
With fewer Western journalists covering the war-torn nation, the true grim picture of continued violence isn’t getting out. Our correspondent reports on the last week.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6594892/site/newsweek

[shesemsmom]

165. In 4 years what will it's length be

is what worries me.... God help us all

[Mutley]

167. can you believe it???

not a single paper clip in my entire house!!!

how could that happen???

anyway... i will get some tomorrow before i go to work... luckily i work next door to a staples!!

[Mutley]

168. oh! and keep this page kicked in order to help spread the word! n/t

[Mutley]

169. kick again

[Mutley]

170. posted in maryland forum...

everyone should post this thread in their state forums to get it started locally.... and hopefully it will spread from there!

[goclark]

171. Keep this kicked!

I love this idea and want to do everything possible to keep it going.

Let's hear from anyone that has been wearing their clip.

[napi21]

176. You do realize if we can get this going, we can get a paper clip

mfg to make boxes of all blue ones. They already make the color coated ones, and all they would have to do is step up the production of a few batches.

[goclark]

177. Purchased an assortment , about 25 blues included

for $1.49!

If you meet another person with a clip let us know.

[napi21]

180. Here's a source that sells all one color and they have BLUE!

http://www.deskgear.com/customer/product.php?productid=719&cat=137&page=1&xid=4c5647e18a2506d70106881c2da34564

http://www.deskgear.com/image.php?productid=719

Skid resistant vinyl coating holds paper tight. Use them for color-coding and signaling as well.

100 clips per pack. Length: 1-1/4".
Details


Weight 0.15 lbs
Price: $ 1.29


Quantity : 10-119 Items 120-239 Items 240+ Items
Price : $ 1.16 $ 1.03 $ 0.90

[goclark]

181. Great Buys to Pas Out At Rallies

Wish CLIP People would pass them out at the Ohio Rally.

Need little cards to go along with the Clip.
Something snappy on a business card size.

[Atman]

182. I was thinking the same thing

A business card with an explanation of what it means. Just slip a clip on it and hand them out. GREAT IDEA!

[goclark]

183. Great minds ... :)

[CAcyclist]

218. I just started doing this at work(I love being an owner).

I have a poster that says:
Wear A Paperclip To Resist Fascism

http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/nvww2/ww2_nonviolence_norway1.html
During WW2, Norwegians wore paper clips as a symbol of resistance to occupation and fascism.

Fascism is returning , thanks to the Bush Administration. The plan to control Fallujan citizens is a clear example of fascism which we, as loyal Americans, must protest.

PROCESSING CENTERS? BADGES THAT MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES? DNA TESTING?? RETINA SCANS? FORCED LABOR??
Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2004/12/05/returning_fallujans_will_face_clampdown/
Returning Fallujans will face clampdown
By Anne Barnard, Globe Staff | December 5, 2004

Under the plans, troops would funnel Fallujans to so-called citizen processing centers on the outskirts of the city to compile a database of their identities through DNA testing and retina scans. Residents would receive badges displaying their home addresses that they must wear at all times. Buses would ferry them into the city, where cars, the deadliest tool of suicide bombers, would be banned.
******************************************************************************

Then I made small slips of paper with a paperclip attached saying:

Wear A Paperclip To Resist Fascism

http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/infodocs/nvww2/ww2_nonviolence_norway1.html
During WW2, Norwegians wore paper clips as a symbol of resistance to occupation and fascism.
********************************************************************************

[Mutley]

200. anyway...

anyone else posted in their state forums?

if so how is it going?

pretty slow in mine, only one reply so far... but i don't think DU is that widespread in maryland. but at least i got one!

[yorkiemommie1]

175. hooked one on to

my 'war is not healthy' pendant

[BrklynLiberal]

178. Forwarded the timbuk2 site to everyone on my distribution list....

told them to click on the blue paper clip...and read the story!!
Been wearing the clip on my collar and giving out blue paper clips to everyone who asks about it, and to a few who haven't :D

[NMDemDist2]

187. Kick

do we have the biz card statement yet?

I tend to want to downplay the Nazi angle and go for a more generic "resistance" message IE

"The paper clip is a symbol of resistance first used in the 1930's (40's??) to show solidarity against unlawful war and oppression."

or something like that.......

[Atman]

188. Discussion on THE MESSAGE

On Paper Clips and Blue Ribbons

[s-cubed]

193. SOLIDARITY FOR DEMOCRACY & FREEDOM AGAINST GREED & BIG BROTHER GOVERNMENT

I'm going to use the above as my message. I posted in the other thread as well. What do you thing?

[Penguin31]

194. Kick

[rug]

195. Sorry

After 4 days of this, after 4 years of Bush, after thousands killed, I really can't get excited over wearing a paperclip. Blue or otherwise.

[Atman]

197. Okay, don't

This isn't about YOU getting excited, though. It is about letting the general public know that, contrary to what they are being force-fed by the MSM, there are many people who do not accept the Bush "mandate" and the advance of fascism.

Don't be sorry. But be something.

(You know what I can't get excited about? The number of newbies signing up and telling us how silly it is of us to demonstrate our anger.)

[rug]

198. Go get 'em

First, it's doubtful the general public will have any reaction to you wearing a paper clip.

Second, you don't fight fascism with paperclips. Feel free to try, though.

Third, what Bush is doing is not fascism, but untrammelled capitalism.

Fourth, there is nothing new about me, not that it's relevant. If the best way you can express your anger is buying a paperclip, well, good luck.

[Mutley]

199. so you think its a bad idea....

well you are entitled to that opinion. but we are entitled to ours as well. if you are not into the paper clip idea then move along to another post and let us continue what we were talking about.

thanks.

[goclark]

201. CLIPS help to educate

If we thought the Media worked to get our message out we would not need a CLIP.

You are right, in a logical world, we should just be able to let our message be heard , but it is not!

The Clip is but one way to call attention at the fact that we are expressing SOLIDARITY with the ideals that we worked for during the election.

See Atman's new post that speaks more about SOLIDARITY.

[Flammable Materials]

202. I think it's best to SAY NOTHING and pique their curiosity.

DON'T tell them why you're wearing it. DON'T explain. If you have to say anything, say "Norway" and leave it at that. If they've got enough intellectual curiosity, they'll look it up themselves.

I think there's a lot to be said for the Power of Mystery.

[goclark]

203. We don't have time for mystery

we must let people hear something.

Why would anyone else want to wear something that has no meaning?

I would not.

[ClassWarrior]

204. It's not mystery. It's our secret way of indentifying one another...

...without identifying ourselves to others.

NGU.

[Atman]

205. Deliberate cross post for a cause

I could easily just post a link to my own site. But I don't want to. I don't want this to appear to be some sort of commercial endeavor. Also, I cannot afford to pay for more bandwidth if this gets all over the place. I'm broke as it is. I posted this request for url's for the Solidarity Clip card, but no one has responded. I started it as a new thread because this one was already getting so unwieldy...check it out. I'm ready to post the card that some of you requested; it is all done, but I want to be able to put a couple educational links on it so people can get the full message about fasicsm and Norway without having to overwhelm the card with negative stuff. Please...

I need one fascism link and one Norway link new thread.



1st Amendment Shoppe

[Mutley]

206. kick n/t

[CitySky]

207. oops

OK - no success with the new avatar. Will try again later...

[BrightKnight]

210. A great tool for spreading the Democratic message. Inclusive symbol

This does not need to be about a single issue. I like the idea that paperclip is an inclusive symbol.

green paperclip for fiscal responsibility.
pink paperclip for women’s rights
black paperclip for voter fraud
etc.
Blue for everything


Democratic issues can all be supported with pride.

Carry a few extra and hand them out. We must campaign in the off season too.

[Atman]

211. Card available for download

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1414364

[goclark]

220. Atman you Rock!

Thanks again for all your hard work.

I just changed from a solid blue avatar to a red/white/blue

[Mutley]

217. kick n/t

[Mutley]

221. kick n/t

[Mutley]

222. kick n/t

[CAcyclist]

223. kick

[Mutley]

224. kick n/t

[seito]

227. Thanks for the explanation

I have been wondering what all the paper clips represented

[goclark]

228. Glad to know it's catching on

[CAcyclist]

231. kick n/t

[goclark]

233. Kick for the clip!

It's really important that you wear your clip to remind people that there is a big problem with the votes in Ohio!

[CAcyclist]

232. kick

[Mutley]

234. kick n/t